Public domain. By Marianne Farningham (pseudonym of Marianne Hearn, 1834-1909).
They have journeyed far on a stormy tide
To the friendless shore and the strange hillside,
Where the wild winds sigh and the darkness creeps;
For their hearts are sad with a world that weeps,
And theirs is a love that never sleeps.
Where the stress is great and the battle long,
They strengthen their faith with psalm and song;
And if for guerdon they have defeat,
The hymns of their angels are forever sweet,
And they take their rest at the Master's feet.
God is the source of their secret strength,
They trust in Him, and they see at length
That morn is breaking after the night,
And the harvest fields are gold and white,
While shines around them God's fadeless light.
But who shall follow where they have led?
Who live and labor and love instead?
O hearts of youth, earth waits for you;
Be strong and brave, be firm and true.
Faithfully promise, and nobly do!
— Marianne Farningham, pseud.